Art of seed-planting



Sept. 22, 1964 H. E. GATZKE ART OF SEED-PLANTING Original Filed July 31,1962 m m w HAROLD E. GATZKE ATTORNEYS United States Patent 3,149,538 ARTOF SEEB-PLANTING Harold E. Gatzke, Rte. 1, Box 71, Beriin, Wis. Originalapplication July 31, 1962, Ser. No. 213,690. Divided and thisapplication July 11, 1963, Ser. No.

2 Claims. (c1. 111-1 This invention relates to improvements in the artof seed planting and more particularly to a novel method of plantingwater-saturated seeds, the present application being a division of myapplication Serial No. 213,690 filed July 31, 1962.

It has long been recognized that the planting of vegetable and otherseeds in a sprouted state is highly desirable, the term sprouted as usedherein meaning a seed which has been saturated with water to start itsgermination process before it is planted in the ground. Such seeds notonly require a shorter growth period in the ground, but they are betterable to survive adverse soil and weather conditions, and the proportionof grown plants is substantially greater than that obtained withordinary dry seeds. Unfortunately, however, such watersaturated seedsare necessarily in a soft, tender condition and it has heretofore beenimpossible to plant the same without bruising and damaging said tenderseeds to the extent that they will not grow.

With the above in mind, the principal object of the present invention isto provide a method of planting sprouted seeds without destroying ordamaging the same.

A more specific object of the present invention is to provide a novelmethod of planting sprouted seeds wherein said seeds are maintained in asuspended state in a portable container of water or other liquid, anddeposited by gravity into the ground.

A further object of the invention is to provide a novel planting methodwherein the seeds may be planted in predetermined, spaced relationshipin the ground, thus substantially reducing the volume of seed requiredper acre, as compared to the conventional planting methods, and alsopromoting uniform plant growth and facilitating the task of culling theresulting crop.

With the above and other objects in view, which other objects andadvantages of the present method will become apparent hereinafter, theinvention consists of the novel method of seed planting set forth in thefollowing specification and claims, and all equivalents thereof.

In the accompanying drawing there is shown an apparatus for performingthe novel seed planting method comprising the present invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, it will be seen that thegeneral assembly of the illustrated seedplanting machine includes a pairof parallel horizontal frame members 1%, which are preferably formed ofhollow steel to combine strength with lightness in weight, and carriedby and between said bars is a forward, groundengaging wheel 11 and analigned rearground wheel 12. Said frame includes suitable hitch means 13on its forward end for securing the same to the rear of a tractor orother pulling vehicle. Mounted on and above an intermediate portion ofsaid frame is an enlarged container or tank 14, in which theseed-entraining fluid employed in the invention is carried, said tankhaving a discharge tube 15 depending therefrom, and mounted beneath saidtank is a wheel 16 which is adapted to form a furrow in the groundtraversed by the machine.

In accordance with the present invention, Water or other liquid isplaced in the container tank 14 and it may have seeds already carriedtherein, or a measured amount of dry seeds may be deposited in the waterafter the tank has been filled.

In the general operation of the illustrated machine, the

65 poses, but the size of said tank can be varied as desired,

" ice wheel 15 forms acontinuous furrow in the earth, as described, andsmall quantities of the seed-containing liquid from said tank 14 areintermittently deposited in said furrow, the machine then filling saidfurrow with a cover of dirt. As mentioned, in accordance with thepresent invention the seeds to be planted may be allowed to germinate aslong as desired, and in planting lettuce and certain other vegetables,it has been found that seeds which have been allowed to germinate inwater for approximately sixteen hours, and then exposed to air, provideexcellent results. Herbicides or fungicides or the like can also beincorporated in the seed-containing liquid if desired.

With more particular reference now to the forward wheel 11 of theillustrated machine for performing the present invention, said wheelpreferably includes a rubber tire having a concave peripheral surface,there being about a one-half inch concavity. The purpose of said concavewheel contour is to eliminate packing of the soil immediately in frontof the furrow-forming'wheel 16 when the machine is in progress, therebyfacilitating the job of said furrowing wheel. In addition, due to suchcontour the tire is substantially deformed while engaged against theground, and as each succeeding wheel portion rotates out of engagementwith the ground it resumes its original form with a force sufficient toeject dirt adhering thereto.

The furrow-forming wheel 16 has a convex peripheral surface and ismounted immediately behind said forward wheel 11, the central peripheralportion of said convex furrowing wheel depending slightly below theinnermost peripheral portion of said concave wheel relative to the 7 andensures the seeds receiving a suflicient supply of water during growth.

The rear ground wheel 12 in the present machine is mounted behind and inalignment with said front wheel 11 and furrow-forming wheel 16, and isprovided with an axle 18 having a sheave 19 and a sprocket 20 thereon,the function of which will be seen. Like the front wheel 11, theperiphery of said rear wheel is preferably concave in form to provideautomatic purging of dirt therefrom. Moreover, after the seeds have beendeposited e in the furrow, as will be described, the present machinecapillary action, it is desirable that the dirt cover on top respect.

of said seeds be relatively loose to permit the young seeds to obtainoxygen from the air.

With reference now to the supply tank 14 for the seedcontaining liquid,said tank is generally rectangular in form but is provided with asemicircular lower portion, and a removable top cover. It has been foundthat a fourteen-gallon capacity tank is satisfactory for most purofcourse, and the invention is not to'be limited in this tended for theplanting. of lettuce seeds, and the gear ratios, etc. are specificallydesigned for this purpose, it is to be understood that the machine isadaptable for planting any kind of crop, and the invention is intendedSimilarly, While the illustrated machine is in 3 to include not only theillustrated machine, but also any apparatus adapted to perform the novelplanting method comprising the invention.

Rotatably mounted within said tank 14 is an agitator 21 having aplurality of radial, laterally-extending arms or paddles 23 formed ofrelatively large mesh wire screening (approximately 1) said agitatorbeing mounted on a rotatable shaft 22 journaled in the side walls ofsaid container, and there being suitable liquid-tight seals therefor. Inaccordance with the method comprising the present invention,predetermined quantities of seeds and Water are introduced into the tank14, as hereinabove described, the ratio of seeds to water depending uponthe particular planting operation, and it is essential that said seedsare maintained in a suspended state therein. Moreover, it is criticalthat the agitator does not bruise or injure such water-saturated seeds.In this respect, it has been found that the wire screening forming theagitator paddles performs excellently in thoroughly dispersing saidseeds throughout the liquid without damaging said tender seeds.

Mounted on one end of said agitator shaft 22 externally of the tank wallis a sheave 24 and trained thereabout, and about the aforementionedsheave 19 on the rear wheel axle, is a V-belt 25, thus rotatablydrivably connecting said agitator to the rear ground wheel 12. Anadjustable bracket and idler assembly 26 on the frame is designed tobear against said V-belt and can be adjusted relative thereto to obtainthe desired belt tension. In the illustrated machine, the ratio betweensaid agitator and rear wheel sheaves is such that the agitator rotatesat 22 rpm. when the machine is being towed at approximately 2 m.p.h. Asmentioned, however, this ratio may be varied as required for particularplanting requirements.

As appears in the drawing, a copper pipe 27 is mounted in and projectsupwardly through the bottom wall of said tank 14 a short distance, saidupward projection preventing sludge or the like which settles on thecontainer bottom from entering said pipe, and there being cutouts insaid agitator paddles to accommodate the same, and surrounding theexterior portion of said pipe 27 and depending substantially therebelowis the discharge tube 15. Said tube is preferably formed of surgicallive gum rubber or similar extremely flexible rubber-like material, andis positioned against the flat, vertical face of a rigid bracket 28depending from the frame.

Mounted to the rear and adjacent said flexible discharge tube is an armmember 30 which is pivotally mounted on a transverse shaft 31 at itsapproximate longitudinal midpoint. The upper portion of said arm isprovided with a roller 32 and the lower portion of said arm has aforward protrusion formed by a transverse pin 33 which is adapted tobear against the lower end of the flexible rubber tube 15 when said armis in its normal, vertical position, said protrusion pinching said tubeagainst the face of the rigid bracket 28 to seal the same and preventflow of the seed-containing liquid from the tank. Connected to said arm3% and to the fork of the furrowing wheel 16 is an expansion spring 34which is adapted to yieldably maintain said arm in its tube-closingposition.

Mounted on a bracket 35 behind said pivotal arm member 3% is aneccentric cam 36 which is rotatably carried on a transverse shaft 37,said cam-supporting bracket being longitudinally adjustable on theframe. Said cam is so positioned relative to said pivotal arm member 30that the eccentric cam face is brought into engagement with the roller32 on the upper end of said arm every time said cam is revolved 360,thus intermittently rocking said arm about its axis (said arm havingabout a /8 travel) against the tension of the spring 34. Thepin 33 isthereby swungaway from its normal, tube-closing position, and a quantityof the seed-containing liquid is interrear ground wheel is a drive chain39. Thus, when the machine is in transit, the rear wheel 12 not onlydrives the agitator 21, as hereinabove described, but said rear wheel isalso geared to and actuates the seed discharge control mechanism.

in the illustrated form of machine, the eccentric cam 36 rotatesapproximately three times per second when the machine is being towed atabout 2 m.p.h., resulting in the discharge tube being opened, and asmall quantity of the seed-containing liquid deposited in the furrow,every fourteen inches or so.

As is shown, mounted adjacent the discharge tube 15 is an elongatedlever 40 having lug means 40 thereon engageable with said flexibledischarge tube intermediate its length. Said lever can be pivotallymoved into and out of closing engagement with the tube, and includes aspring 41 or the like on its forward end leading to a handle (notshown), whereby the operator can close said tube to stop the plantingoperation at any time.

Mounted on the frame behind the discharge tube 15 is a furrow-closingmechanism preferably formed of a pair of plow-like shoes 42 which aremounted at an angle to direct dirt into the furrow after the seeds haveeen deposited therein. As mentioned, the concave rear wheel 12 alsocooperates in the covering of said furrow and functions to smooth thesame out without compacting the dirt.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that the present invention comprisesa novel planting method wherein the seeds are saturated with water, aremaintained in a state of suspension and evenly dispersed throughout aportable container, and are allowed to flow by gravity from saidcontainer into a furrow in the ground. It has been found that this novelplanting method has several important advantages over the conventionalsystem, wherein dry seeds are planted. With the present invention it isnot only possible to plant a greatly increased acreage per pound ofseed, but the plants may be accurately spaced relative to each other, incontrast to the usual method of planting wherein the seeds are depositedin the furrow more or less continuously, and wherein the result is thata majority of the young plants have to'bemanually pulled out in order toobtain sumcient spacing between plants for proper growth. The lattermethod is not only wasteful, but necessitates substantial labor costs.Moreover, such manual spacing is usually inaccurate and it is unlikelythat all of the plants will have an equal area in which to grow, as isensured with the accurate spacing provided by the present machine.

With the present invention, each shot or quantity of cert-containingliquid discharged into the furrow contains about three or four seeds,and as the young plants protrude from the ground it is relatively simplefor the workmen to cull the same and it is natural for them to leave thelargest, healthiest plant in each group. Thus, not only are fewer plantswasted, but the remaining plants are the largest, which is not usuallytrue with the conventional thinning or culling method, and all of theplants in a field are of approximately uniform'size. The latter featuregreatly facilitates the job of the grader and packer, and effectsadditional substantial savings. A further advantage of uniform plantsize is that the growth period is also uniform, thus permitting theharvesting of an entire field at one time, and which is particularlyimportant with crops such as lettuce wherein even a twentyfour houremergence difference can be critical.

It is to be understood, of course, that while accurate space planting isone of the important features attributable to the present invention, thenovel planting method hereinabove described can also be used toadvantage in continuous-row planting. For this purpose the intermittentdischarge mechanism on the planting machine can be disconnected, and thedischarge tube allowed to remittently deposited in the furrow. Said camshaft 37 has a sprocket 38cm one end thereof and trained thereabout, andabout the aforementioned sprocket 2t) on the main in an open conditionwhile the machine traverses the field. 1

From the foregoing detailed description, it will be seen that thepresent invention provides a novel method of planting seeds which hasnumerous advantages over conventional seed-planting methods. Asmentioned, it is to be clearly understood that the invention is intendedto include not only the exact steps hereinabove described, but also anyand all modifications or changes therein as may come within the spiritof said invention and within the scope of the following claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a continuous progressive method of automatically planting seedswhich have begun to germinate, such seeds being soft, tender, andreadily susceptible to damage, the steps of: depositing the seeds in aportable, confined body of liquid; continuously, non-violently agitatingsaid liquid to maintain said seeds in a state of suspension in andsubstantially evenly dispersed throughout said liquid and in spacedrelationship to each other; forming an elongated furrow in the earthwhile transporting the seed-containing body of liquid along said furrow;in-

troducing said seed-containing liquid into said furrow by a quiescentgravity hydraulic flow; and thereafter covering said furrow with earth.

2. The method recited in claim 1 wherein said seeds are introduced intosaid furrow in spaced groups, the spacing between said groups beingpredetermined and dependent upon the speed of transportation of saidseedcontaining body of liquid.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS952,607 Coplen Mar. 22, 1910 2,601,834 Carter July 1, 1952 2,682,428Roberts June 29, 1954 2,878,617 Finn Mar. 24, 1959 FOREIGN PATENTS448,388 Canada May 11, 1948

1. IN A CONTINUOUS PROGRESSIVE METHOD OF AUTOMATICALLY PLANTING SEEDSWHICH HAVE BEGUN TO GERMINATE, SUCH SEEDS BEING SOFT, TENDER, ANDREADILY SUSCEPTIBLE TO DAMAGE, THE STEPS OF: DEPOSITING THE SEEDS IN APORTABLE, CONFINED BODY OF LIQUID; CONTINUOUSLY, NON-VIOLENTLY AGITATINGSAID LIQUID TO MAINTAIN SAID SEEDS IN A STATE OF SUSPENSION IN ANDSUBSTANTIALLY EVENLY DISPERSED THROUGHOUT SAID LIQUID AND IN SPACEDRELATIONSHIP TO EACH OTHER; FORMING AN ELONGATED BODY OF LIQUID ALONGSAID FURROW BY A QUIESCENT GRAVITY HYDRACULIC FLOW; AND THEREAFTERCOVERING SAID FURROW WITH EARTH.